Microcement Finishes in York County, ME: Seamless, Custom, One of a Kind
Microcement is a thin-layer decorative coating made from cement, resin, and pigment. It applies at two to three millimeters thick directly over existing tile, concrete, or drywall, creating a completely seamless, joint-free surface with no grout lines and no demolition. Putnam Coastal Painting applies microcement to walls, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, countertops, and stairs across York County and southern Cumberland County, Maine.
Considering both microcement and Venetian plaster? We offer a free comparison consultation with material samples so you can see both finishes in your space before deciding.
What Microcement Is, in Plain Terms
Microcement is a continuous surface coating. There are no joints, no grout lines, no seams, and no pattern repeats. The pigment runs through the material, so the color is consistent throughout. The finish is sealed with a waterproof polyurethane or epoxy topcoat that makes it suitable for wet environments including bathrooms and showers.
It applies over almost any structurally sound existing surface. That means you can transform a tiled bathroom, a concrete floor, or a drywall wall without any demolition or disruption to adjacent spaces.
Where Microcement Can Be Applied
- Bathroom walls and shower enclosures sealed for full waterproofing
- Floors including residential, commercial, and heated slab applications
- Kitchen walls and backsplashes
- Countertops with appropriate topcoat selection
- Staircases including treads and risers
- Accent walls and full interior walls in living spaces
Microcement vs. Venetian Plaster vs. Polished Concrete
- Microcement: 2 to 3mm, applies over existing surfaces, waterproof when sealed, suitable for floors and wet areas, modern industrial aesthetic. No demolition required.
- Venetian Plaster: Lime based, walls and ceilings only, not suitable for floors, premium classic aesthetic with visible depth and trowel texture. Requires burnishing.
- Polished Concrete: Applies to existing concrete slabs only through grinding and sealing. Cannot be applied over tile or drywall. Requires specialized grinding equipment and significant floor prep.
If waterproofing and floor application matter to your project, microcement is the right choice. If you want a classic, burnished wall finish with depth and movement, Venetian plaster is the better fit.
Will It Crack? The Honest Durability Answer
This is the most common concern and it deserves a direct answer. Microcement can crack if the substrate moves. The product itself is flexible when applied correctly, but if the substrate beneath it has structural movement, cracking can follow.
Our protocol addresses this directly:
- We evaluate the substrate for stability before any application
- Flexible microcement systems are specified for applications with any potential movement
- Existing cracks in the substrate are repaired and stabilized before coating
- Maine’s freeze and thaw cycles are factored into product selection for any exterior-adjacent application
Substrate preparation is the most critical variable in microcement performance. Done correctly, the finish is extremely durable. Done incorrectly, it will fail. Our process starts with the substrate, not the coating.
Our Application Process
Substrate evaluation and prep: We assess the existing surface, repair any cracks or damage, and ensure the substrate is clean, stable, and properly primed for microcement adhesion.
Base coats: Two base coats are applied, each allowed to cure before the next. The base layer establishes the bond and builds thickness.
Finish coat: The finish coat is applied with steel or plastic trowels, establishing the final color, texture, and surface quality. Finish texture ranges from very smooth to slightly textured depending on the look desired.
Sealing: One to three coats of waterproof polyurethane or epoxy sealer are applied depending on the application. Floor applications receive the heaviest seal for wear resistance. Bathroom shower walls receive full waterproof coverage.
For more information about our services or to book an estimate, call us at (207) 890 7305 or complete the form on our contact page and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Our Promise to You
Every project ends with a final walkthrough. You do not sign off until you are completely satisfied. If something is not right, we fix it on the spot before we leave.
The quote we give you is the price you pay. Licensed and insured. PCA accredited. Over 10 years serving York County homeowners. We show up when we say we will, do what we say we will do, and leave your home cleaner than we found it.
“What we do in secret will always come to light.” That is the standard we hold ourselves to on every job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microcement waterproof?
When properly sealed with a polyurethane or epoxy topcoat, microcement is waterproof and suitable for bathroom walls, shower enclosures, and wet areas. The sealing process is critical. Unsealed microcement will absorb water and stain.
Can microcement be applied over existing tile without demo?
Yes. This is one of microcement’s key advantages. It bonds directly to existing ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile surfaces when properly primed. The overlay adds only 2 to 3 millimeters of height, which in most cases does not require modification of door clearances or adjacent surfaces.
What maintenance does microcement require?
How do I request a microcement consultation?
Call us at (207) 890-7305 or request a design consultation online. We visit your space, discuss your vision, bring material and color samples, and provide a written estimate. No pressure and no obligation.
